CASA Walk Against Violence: Don’t just talk the talk; walk the Walk

By Darryl Clifford, photo by CASA staff

The victims of violence need—and deserve—more than your pity or empty words. They need you to take action right now. Show them that you give a damn by practicing—not just preaching—the four tenets of violence prevention:

Stand up for the victims. In Mexico, as in all countries, domestic violence occurs in all social, financial, and educational strata of society. The Mexican Ministry of Health confirms that 33 percent of women interviewed in health clinic waiting rooms report living in a violent situation; 22 percent have experienced sexual abuse, including 13 percent who were abused as a child; and 6 percent have been raped. Yet, only 3 percent of women who experience violence ever receives help.

But to those in violent situations, statistics are meaningless. Their focus is on surviving. And to do that, they need you to help raise community awareness of the pervasiveness of domestic violence and to ensure that there is some place they can turn to for help. You can do both of those things by joining the CASA Walk Against Violence on Friday, January 24.

Speak out against all forms of violence. Almost as pervasive as domestic violence, but virtually never reported, is abuse against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth. A survey of several studies conducted by LGBT support groups indicate that as many as nine out of 10 LBGT youth have experience harassment and that suicides among this group appear to be on the rise. In many cases, especially among the high school students, it is definitely not okay to be different. And if a person is judged to be different, their peers—and sometimes even their own family members—can make their lives a living Hell.

In the case of verbal abuse as well as physical violence against LGBT youth, the old adage “it takes a village” certainly applies. It will take both time and educational intervention to begin to effect a change. If this seems to you to be a daunting project to take on, you will be happy to learn that “the village” already is working on the problem. CASA’s three in-house psychologists have already developed a generalized violence prevention curriculum and supporting educational materials. During 2013, they led anti-violence workshops attended by 1,300 students, parents and teachers in local secondary schools. They also conducted weekly support group meetings in seven rural communities for 120 regular participants. These outreach programs are made possible through the fund raising efforts of CASA volunteers. Won’t you join us and become part of the CASA village?

Stay committed over the long haul. According to senior psychologist Dulce Ortiz Rodríguez, CASA’s anti-violence program was formally established in 2005, and 334 victims of abuse received psychological counseling that first year. Since that time, the increase in the prevalence and severity of violence dictated the urgent need for focused violence prevention, educational, medical and legal assistance services as well as the requirement to hire two additional psychologists. And, CASA responded.

However, in the time since CASA took those actions, requests for services have increased by 416 percent while the amount of money raised annually from the CASA Walk has remained essentially stable. As a result, now more than ever, there is a critical need for a dedicated, sustained effort to raise money to support the anti-violence program. But, in uncertain economic times, to whom can CASA look for support? The answer is you.

Support the Walk and CASA’s anti-violence programs. You can say “no más” to violence by joining the eleventh annual CASA Walk Against Violence or by donating to CASA’s violence prevention programs that improve the lives of thousands through free medical care, psychological counseling, educational workshops, legal counseling services and a 24/365 telephone hotline for the victims of violence.

Won’t you make this the day that you finally stop just talking the talk, and instead choose to walk the Walk?

For more information about the eleventh annual CASA Walk Against Violence and related activities, consult the box located elsewhere on this page.

BOX

CASA Walk Information

Kick-off event: Thu, Jan 23rd, 3pm, Milagros Restaurant, Relox 17. Join us to sign up for the Walk or to donate.